I am writing to address a concern that arose after the last Senate meeting. The tone of the October 3, 2011 meeting of the Senate was unprofessional and the conduct of several of my fellow Senators was appalling.

Democracy is about having the right to express ones opinion within the structures set by a community. The community of the Senate Board of Administration calls for discussions and exchange of ideas to be carried out in a respectful and dignified manner. It is governed by the fundamental belief in the equitable treatment of all members. Difference of opinions is health for it promotes debate. We don’t have to agree with each other, but we have to respect each other’s right to express them.

At the meeting, statements such as “Are you sick in the head”…“This is stupid” among others were used towards of our colleagues. These words of no place in a formal meeting set in an institution of higher learning.

The Senate in its wisdom should never attack its members. This conduct is unbecoming, disruptive, disrespectful, and disregards our rules.

In light of the tone at the last meeting, I am requesting that we revisit the rules that govern the Senate meetings so that members of the Senate are aware of how to maintain proper decorum.

Kindest Regards,

Hazel Gashoka

Undergraduate Student Representative to Senate, Faculty of Social Sciences